Artists from Malta have collaborated with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in a major cultural initiative as part of their bids for European Capital of Culture 2031. The project features urban artwork by Jason Joe Farrugia and Cynthia Saliba on the walls of Castillo de Mata, marking a significant step in cultural exchange between the two cities.
Farrugia and Saliba, hailing from Gozo, Malta, recently spent time in Gran Canaria as part of the REBEL WALLS. Urban Stories project, designed to foster collaboration among local and international artists. The initiative aims to create a vibrant cultural space that merges large-scale murals with various artistic activities, including hip-hop, dance, and workshops.
The project builds on previous discussions between the two cities, particularly following a visit in July by Las Palmas Mayor Carolina Darias to Victoria, Malta, where she met with Mayor Brian Azzopardi. They agreed to collaborate on artistic exchanges and mobility for creators, addressing shared challenges that island communities face within Europe.
Farrugia’s murals reflect on the marine landscape surrounding Gran Canaria, while Saliba’s work explores personal introspection during the artistic process. Both artists’ contributions also align with the artistic programming planned for Victoria 2031.
This partnership underscores the historical ties between Malta and Gran Canaria, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries when Maltese traders established themselves in the city. The collaboration serves as a foundation for future interactions as both cities work towards realising their cultural ambitions by 2031.
Through this cultural initiative, both local governments hope to create lasting connections between their respective creative communities, expanding beyond the competition for the title and into a shared cultural future.
